Detailed map of the Middle East, published by Laurie & Whittle in London.

Includes interesting annotations, including a note about the Barren Desert in the interior of the peninsula.

Place names noted include Mekka, Bahrain (located far west of its true location), Samaka, Khau and Hims.

The Routes of the Caravans across the Arabian peninsula are shown, as well as the caravan route to Damascus.

Laurie & Whittle Biography

Laurie & Whittle refers to the partnership of Robert Laurie (1755?-1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818), engravers and map publishers. Both men were employed by Robert Sayer (ca. 1724-1794), one of the most prominent British publishers and map sellers of the eighteenth century. Sayer died in 1794 and his business was taken over by his assistants. The two worked together as Laurie & Whittle until 1812, when Laurie retired. They were especially known for publishing sea charts and maritime atlases. From 1812-1818, when he died, Whittle worked with Laurie’s son, Richard Holmes Laurie, as Whittle & Laurie. After 1818, the firm was known as R. H. Laurie, even though Richard died in 1858. Later, the firm was managed by Laurie’s draughtsman, Alexander George Findlay, and, later, Daniel and William Kettle.